Portugal experienced a 5.3 magnitude earthquake at 5:11 am on the morning of August 26, 2024. The earthquake struck off the coast of Sines and could be felt around the country. Three aftershocks measuring 1.2, 1.1, and .9 on the Richter scale were felt at the time of this writing. National emergency and civil protection commander André Fernandes briefed the Portuguese public at 8:00 am confirming that a 5.3 earthquake did not meet the criteria for activating special plans, which are only activated from a 6.1 magnitude and above. Fernandes also stated that a tsunami warning only gets issued when an earthquake tremor is recorded as 6.0 or higher. No earthquake-related deaths or major damage have been recorded as of the time of this writing, and the government encouraged the Portuguese population to remain calm.

Portugal’s Seismic Activity and Earthquake History

Portugal is located near the boundary between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, which makes the southern part of the country and the Azores particularly susceptible to seismic activity. Lisbon’s first recorded earthquake in record books occurred in 1344 (no magnitude or damage reported), and 1358 purportedly saw extensive damage to Seville, Spain and Lisbon, Portugal (no magnitude or death records available). In 1531, Lisbon was hit by a 7.7 earthquake and a large tsunami with 30,000 deaths reported. Another smaller earthquake was reported almost to the day twenty years later with 2,000 deaths reported.

The biggest earthquake to ever hit Lisbon, measured at 8.7-9.0 on the Richter scale, struck on the morning of November 1, 1755. Lisbon was almost completely destroyed by a combination of the earthquake and subsequent fires followed by an 18.3 meter tsunami. Estimated deaths from the disaster totaled between 50,000 and 100,000 people. No massive earthquakes have affected mainland Portugal since this time.

How to Prepare for an Earthquake in Portugal

The earthquake in August 26, 2024 was a reminder that an earthquake can truly hit Portugal at any time. When a disaster occurs, it’s important to be ready with a plan for you and your loved ones. Here are some steps that you can follow to prepare for an earthquake in Portugal.

Before the Earthquake

1. Identify and assess risks in your house.

Note where the risks may be in your house. Bookshelves and TVs are some of the most likely items to tip over during an earthquake. Strap or bolt file cabinets and other top-heavy furniture that can fall and potentially block exits. Also – don’t sleep with tall or heavy objects near your bed. This includes air conditioning units.

Consider installing easy to open locks on your kitchen cabinets to prevent dishes from flying and shattering in the event of an earthquake. Use screw hooks installed directly into wall studs, not just the plaster, and put putty on the back corners of mirrors and picture frames help keep them from banging against the walls and breaking. Secure the top and bottom of your water heater using heavy-duty straps (or get someone to come in and do this for you). Most importantly, check if your appliances are hooked up to gas lines using flexible connectors. If not, ask a plumber to put these in for you.

2. Organize a family emergency plan.

Have the first conversation with your family about what to do in the event of an earthquake. Talk about the importance of staying calm and discuss where you will go in the event of disaster. Make sure that everyone knows the single European emergency telephone number – 112 – available free of charge 24 hours a day. Inform everyone about the location of the emergency earthquake kit (see below). If not everyone knows how to use a fire extinguisher, it may be a good idea to ensure they know how to use it. Discuss what the family will do in the event of disaster.

3. Prepare an emergency kit.

This is crucial to have on hand in the event of an earthquake and it could very well save your life. Here are the most useful things to have in your house/apartment:

1. Fire extinguisher.
2. Battery-powered radio to follow emergency broadcasts (with working batteries)
3. Whistle – which can be used to identify your position
4. A multipurpose pocketknife
5. A pair of protective glasses for each family member
6. N95 face masks for protection from dust in the air
7. One pair of gloves for each family member
8. Isothermal blankets to maintain body temperature
9. Adequate supplies of medications that you or family members are taking
10. Tools to turn off the gas and water lines in the event of emergency
11. First-aid kit and handbook
12. Flashlights with extra bulbs and batteries
13. Portable radio with extra batteries
14. Water for each family member for at least two weeks (allow at least 1 gallon per person per day) and purification tablets or chlorine bleach to purify drinking water from other sources. Make a habit of storing bottled water in a safe place in your house specifically for this purpose
15. Canned and package foods, enough for several days and mechanical can opener. Extra food for pets if necessary
16. Waterproof, heavy-duty plastic bags for waste disposal.

It is also a good idea to have a good solid pair of shoes and water near your bed in case you are sleeping when the earthquake strikes. Shoes will help you navigate your way safely through the debris. If you live on the second or third floor of a building, you may also want to have rope on hand to assist you with possibly getting to a lower floor.

4. Keep all important documents online

This includes anything related to fire and earthquake insurance in an accessible place online – in case you lose access to the paper version after the earthquake.

During the Earthquake

• If you are at home or in a building, go to a safe place, such as doorways (preferably on main walls), corners of rooms, or under tables or beds. Kneel and protect yourself with your arms around your head. By bending down, we avoid being thrown to the ground. Taking cover protects us from falling objects.
• Please note that fleeing during an earthquake can increase the risk of an accident. Therefore, you should only leave your home or building when it is safe to do so. Then look around to see if there is any danger. When leaving the house, you should wear sneakers or sturdy shoes.
• If you are in an open place, stay away from tall buildings, walls, electricity poles, antennas, and other objects that could collapse or fall. You must bend down or lie down on the floor to avoid an uncontrolled fall. At the same time, protect your head with your arms.
• If you are on the beach or close to the sea, look for a higher location to protect yourself from the risk of tsunamis (giant waves). In some cases of tsunami, waves have reached 30 meters in height.
• Don’t escape by car. You can get stuck inside the car and obstruct traffic, hindering rescue efforts.
• If you are driving, stop the car away from buildings, walls, slopes, poles, and high voltage cables, and remain inside it.
• The most dangerous places at home or in a building are near windows, mirrors, chimneys, and walls with shelves, under lamps, in the middle of rooms, elevators, and balconies.

After the Earthquake

Remember that it is very important that you remain calm but attentive. After an earthquake, some aftershocks may follow.

• Do not rush to the exits if you are in a building, as the stairs may be congested. When going down the stairs, do so leaning against the wall, in an orderly manner, without running or jumping.
• Before leaving, take essential medicines for your heart, tension, diabetes.
• Never use the elevator during or after an earthquake, but rather the stairs, as there is a risk of the elevator falling or becoming trapped inside due to a lack of electricity.
• There may be gas leaks, so at home, do not light matches or lighters, and do not turn on switches or cell phones.
• Immediately turn off gas, electricity and water. Also teach the
 children to do it.
• Be careful with electrical cables and broken glass.
• Wear pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and solid shoes to avoid injuries. Release the animals from their cages. If you are on the street, do not return home until it is safe.
• If there are injured people, help them if you have the ability.
• Remember, in case of emergency (serious injuries or fire), after taking safety measures, call 112.
• Turn on the radio and pay attention to the information broadcast. For more information, check the official documentation from the Portugal Red Cross (Cruz Vermelha).

Final Thoughts

We hope this gives you a good guide of what to do to prepare for an earthquake in Portugal. It is essential to be prepared and remain calm in the event of emergency. We cannot prevent earthquakes, but we can be informed and aware when they happen and do our best for ourselves and our families in the event of disaster.